Ski mountaineering will become the first Winter Olympic sport to make a debut since 2002. Here's how to watch it.

Skimo sounds like it could be the costumed mascot for the Milan Cortina Olympics, but it’s actually a new ski discipline making its debut as the first new sport in the Winter Games since

Ski mountaineering will make its Olympic debut this year, the first winter sport to do so since 2002. Skeleton, luge, ski jumping and moguls are also getting new events.

Ski mountaineering, commonly known a SkiMo, will make its Olympic debut at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics beginning Thursday, Feb. 19.

Ski mountaineering originated not as an organized sport but as a means of survival. For thousands of years, people have worn skis due to the practical need to traverse mountainous or hilly terrain during the snowy winter months.

Ski mountaineering will be in the spotlight on the international stage as the only new sport for the Winter Olympics this year.